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Diagnostic Expectations and Stock Returns

Author

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  • PEDRO BORDALO
  • NICOLA GENNAIOLI
  • RAFAEL LA PORTA
  • ANDREI SHLEIFER

Abstract

We revisit La Porta's finding that returns on stocks with the most optimistic analyst long‐term earnings growth forecasts are lower than those on stocks with the most pessimistic forecasts. We document the joint dynamics of fundamentals, expectations, and returns of these portfolios, and explain the facts using a model of belief formation based on the representativeness heuristic. Analysts forecast fundamentals from observed earnings growth, but overreact to news by exaggerating the probability of states that have become more likely. We find support for the model's predictions. A quantitative estimation of the model accounts for the key patterns in the data.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Bordalo & Nicola Gennaioli & Rafael La Porta & Andrei Shleifer, 2019. "Diagnostic Expectations and Stock Returns," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 74(6), pages 2839-2874, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jfinan:v:74:y:2019:i:6:p:2839-2874
    DOI: 10.1111/jofi.12833
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    JEL classification:

    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • G02 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Behavioral Finance: Underlying Principles
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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